Kubica was 'almost convinced' he would ride at Melbourne

Robert Kubica has admitted that he was 'almost convinced' he would race for Williams at the opening Grand Prix at Melbourne when he was testing for the team last year, only for Sergey Sirotkin to be given the second seat for 2018 alongside Lance Stroll.

With Felipe Massa announcing his retirement for after the 2017 campaign, Williams started their recruitment drive. Kubica, who suffered a career-threatening injury during a rally car accident a few years ago which cost him part of his forearm, has been working hard over the last few years to make his comeback.

During testing, Kubica thought he was going to be awarded the seat.

“The next seven, eight, nine months of the season can bring me closer to this [return],” he told Polish newspaper Przegla Sportowy.

“I don’t really know how close I was at that moment, but now it’s not important anymore.

“As a rule, I keep expectations low and I have a habit of believing in things only when they happen, but at some point I was almost convinced that I will be taking part in Australia.”

Even though considered a favourite for the second driver role, Kubica was only selected as a reserve driver with Sirotkin gaining the F1 seat. The Pole admits he is not looking forward to being in reserve, but hopes it will lead to a driving role in the future.

“I was thinking about it and to be honest, I don’t think it will be a nice moment for me,” he continued.

“Going to races to see other drivers are racing will not be nice, but it’s worth trying in order to come back. It may as well just be a part of the long journey I’ve completed so far and I’m glad I found myself at this point.

“I also think that there will be great moments when I’ll feel satisfaction with this role, even though I won’t compete and fight on track.

“I will do everything to have a chance again. I’m aiming to take back what life took away from me to some extent. I hope it wasn’t taken away forever.”